Nepal Bhutan Sri Lanka Tour

The guide of Asia Experiences welcomes you at the Tribhuvan International Airport upon your arrival in Kathmandu. After completing all the formalities, you are transferred to the hotel. Relax at a hotel to give your body rest after such a long flight journey. If you wish to wander around and time permits, sightsee the local market, or nearby cultural places. Stay Overnight in a hotel.

Embark on your tour starting with a visit to the prominent Swayambhunath, an ancient hilltop religious structure. Next, explore the beautiful architecture of Kathmandu Durbar Square, a place filled with stunning examples of traditional design. In the afternoon, make your way to Patan Durbar Square, where you can admire the beautifully designed streets and monuments that date back to the 16^th and 18^th centuries. Stay Overnight in a hotel.

Swayambhunath Stupa:

The Buddhist stupa, also popular as the 'Monkey Temple', has earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Perched on a hilltop, this stupa offers breathtaking panoramic views of Kathmandu city. Visitors can climb up the 365 steps to reach the top, and from there, they can savor the stunning bird's-eye view of the surroundings. It's a must-visit spot for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the city from a unique vantage point.

Kathmandu Durbar Square:

The Durbar Square is notorious for its breathtaking architecture, including intricate woodcarvings, sculptures, and pagoda-style temples. This complex of palaces, temples, and courtyards dates back to the 16^th century and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore a plethora of attractions in the area, such as the Taleju Temple, Kalbhairav Temple, Kasthamandap, Ashok Binayak Temple, Living Goddess Kumari, Hanumandhoka Museum, and Shiva Parbati Temple. Kathmandu Durbar Square is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and architecture.

Patan Durbar Square:

This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its Newari architecture, which includes exquisite temples, monuments, courtyards, and other artistic marvels. The Durbar Square boasts several attractions that are worth exploring, such as the beautiful Krishna Mandir, Bhimsen Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Patan Museum, and several picturesque courtyards. If you are fond of art, architecture, and aesthetics, Patan Durbar Square is a must-visit destination.

Let’s continue the further exploration. In the morning, make your way to Bhaktapur Durbar Square. This UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed city dates back to the 9^th century. After the Durbar Square tour, visit the popular Boudhanath, a famous Buddhist stupa. In the evening, stop at Pashupatinath, the holiest temple of Lord Shiva. While at Pashupatinath, you can also explore the many other temples located close to the Bagmati River.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square:

One of the most well-preserved medieval cities Bhaktapur Durbar Square is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The beauty of this Durbar square is several architectural marvels, including the Nyatapola Temple, Victorian-style temples, artistic courtyards, an open museum, the 55-window palace, the Dattataraya Temple, and numerous sculptures. These impressive structures and artworks add to the overall beauty and charm. Stay Overnight in a hotel.

Boudhanath Stupa:

One of the largest stupas in the world is a favorite landmark of visitors and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere by circumambulating the stupa in the morning and evening. The stupa is known for its striking beauty and is a symbol of peace. Within the complex, there are several monasteries, Tibetan handicraft shops, and cafes and restaurants offering a variety of food options, including Tibetan cuisine. It's a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the rich culture and spirituality of the region.

Pashupatinath:

The well-known Pashupatinath temple is situated on the banks of the Bagmati River. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is surrounded by several other temples in the area. The cremation area, Sadhus, and evening Aarti are some of the highlights of this sacred temple, which is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This popular landmark is sacred for all Hindu devotees over the world.

The Bhutan tour begins and you head to the International Airport from Kathmandu as per the flight schedule. Upon arrival in Paro, the Bhutanese guide greets you and transfers you to the hotel. Take a rest and relax after your flight journey. Have lunch or light snacks.

After lunch/light snacks, embark on a tour of the historical landmarks of Paro. Continue the tour the following day, if you arrive in the evening. You can take an evening walk in the streets of Paro. Stay Overnight in a hotel.

Start your tour with the ancient fortress of Paro Dzong. The Dzong is celebrated for its exceptional architecture. The stunning artistic creations found within are a photographer's dream.

Next, visit Ta Dzong which was converted into the National Museum of Bhutan. It lies above Paro Dzong. Explore the diverse local arts and culture of ancient Bhutan. It houses more than 3000 relics dating back to 1500 years.

Then, tour the oldest Jowo temple in Bhutan, Kyichu Lhakhang, which played a significant role in the spread of Buddhism worldwide. The temple features the original Jowo Jamba statue, a mural painting of King Gesar, prayer wheels, a Guru Rinpoche statue, and two orange trees that bear fruit all year round. This site is a must-see for anyone interested in history, culture, and art. After a day of sightseeing, return to your hotel for a good night's rest.

Note: Expect one flight a day from Kathmandu to Paro.

Get ready for an exhilarating day as we explore the legendary Taktsang Lhakhang. It is widely famous as Tiger's Nest, which is a must-visit destination in Bhutan. After a delicious breakfast, take a short drive to the foothills of the Tiger's Nest and begin the hike to this sacred site perched on a cliff high above the Paro Valley. This holy place has great historical and cultural significance. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava meditated in this cave for more than three years to tame evil spirits. The stunning view of the Paro Valley from here is truly breathtaking.

Our tour concludes with a visit to Drukgyel Dzong. The ancient ruin of the Dzong is one of the most renowned archaeological sites in Bhutan. Explore the Dzong and return to the hotel.

Continue to explore other places if you have missed them yesterday. In the evening, stroll around nearby places or spend quality time at the hotel. Stay Overnight in a hotel.

Embark on a journey to the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu, after relishing a hearty breakfast. As you traverse the Paro Valley, take a moment to witness the confluence of the Paro and Thimphu Rivers from the renowned Chuzom Bridge. Midway through the Paro-Thimphu highway, make a stop at the Tachogang Lhakhang temple, a 16th-century marvel, accessible via an ancient bridge. Take in the picturesque sights of the surrounding villages from the bridge. The Tachogang temple, meaning "hill of the excellent horse," is a sight to behold. Finally, continue your journey to Thimphu.

Upon arriving in Thimphu, we recommend you take some time to rest and have lunch or snacks at your hotel. After rest, begin your day by visiting the National Memorial Chorten, which was built to honor the third King of Bhutan. The white stupa with a golden spiral at the top looks impressive.

No trip to Thimphu is complete without a visit to the Fortress of the Glorious Religion-Tashichho Dzong. This stunning Dzong is the epitome of Bhutanese architecture and features chapels, temples, shrines, and a central tower.

To end your Thimphu trip, take a short drive to Kuensel Phodrang and marvel at the spectacular, gigantic statue of the Great Buddha Dordenma. From this vantage point, enjoy a panoramic view of Thimphu. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Commence on a scenic drive from Thimphu to Wangdue, making sure to stop at Dochu-La-Pass along the way. Adore the breathtaking views of the snow-capped eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan's highest mountain Gangkhar Puensum (7570m), and other peaks. As you descend from Dochu-La-Pass, enjoy the fresh air and take in the different vegetation. Also, visit the grand 108 memorials Druk Wangyal Chortens nearby. It was built to honor the 108 Bhutanese soldiers who lost their lives in the 2003 battle.

Upon arrival in Wangdue, a charming town with impressive scenery, check into your hotel. Take some time to freshen up and relax. Then, visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, one of the major tourist attractions and an important heritage site. This historic important Dzong consists of 14 temples and has three doorways and three courtyards.

This city is also perfect for cultural exploration. A nearby village is well-known for its skilled stone carvers. Witness their craftsmanship firsthand and chat with friendly locals in a peaceful environment. So be sure to explore the village and take in all the sights and sounds of this delightful destination. Stay Overnight in a hotel.

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast before taking a short drive to Punakha. The place has the largest suspension bridges in Bhutan. Walk across the colorfully decorated bridge adorned with prayer flags and overlooking pretty water-filled canyons. It leads you toward the second oldest Punakha Dzong which is stunning. This palace of bliss is a masterpiece constructed entirely without using nails. If you are lucky enough to be here around mid-February, be sure to participate in the Punakha festival.

Afterward, take a stroll to the longest suspension bridge spanning 160-180m above the Po Chu River near Punakha Dzong. Admire the scenery and head to the next destination.

Next up, visit Chhimi Lakhang, also known as "The Fertility Temple of Bhutan." Devoted to the Divine Madman, it is widely worshipped by childless couples who visit with the belief of receiving blessings for a baby. You also notice houses decorated with giant phalluses, which are considered symbols of good luck. Don't forget to pick up some phallic souvenirs to commemorate your visit. Return to Paro for an overnight stay.

The incredible Bhutan tour has come to an end, and it's time to move on to our next destination, Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights available from Paro to Colombo, so we have to take a connecting flight through Indian airports (New Delhi, Mumbai, etc.) or Kathmandu Airport (Nepal).

Note: Expect only one daily flight to Colombo from Kathmandu.

Once you arrive at Colombo Airport, the Sri Lankan chauffeur guide escorts you to the hotel. Freshen up and rest at the hotel. If time permits, visit one or two major attractions of Colombo in the evening. Continue sightseeing in Colombo the next day or on the last day. Some of the major attractions include the 100-year-old clock tower, the Dutch Hospital, Galle Face Green, the bustling Pettah Bazaar, Gangarama Temple, and Arcade Independence Square. Spend the night in a hotel.

In the morning, you complete Colombo Sightseeing and head toward the next destination Habarana (Sigiriya). Admiring the scenic views, after a few hours reach Habarana. Start the Hiriwadunna Village tour. Take a short Tuk Tuk ride which takes you to the man-made reservoir called Hiriwaduuna Lake. Enjoy a Catamaran boat ride over the lake and admire the picturesque scenery of the surroundings such as green forest, marshlands, and vegetables which are organic.

Arrive at Hiriwadunna Village, and experience the traditional village life of the locals. Enjoy the simple foods prepared by the local women using homegrown crops and vegetables. They demonstrate different skills in cooking using the available fresh crops. All the process is done in front of you. Enjoy the process and organic food.

After enjoying food, interact with the locals and try to understand their culture and lifestyle. Then, take a short walk and ride on a Jeep for Safari. Relish the Jeep Safari in the vicinity of a Hurulu Forest Reserve. This forest reserve signifies Sri Lanka’s dry evergreen forest. The reserve is home to diverse flora and fauna where you witness giant Elephants, peacocks, green vegetation, and other species. After completing the excursion, return to a hotel. Spend a night in a hotel.

Early in the morning, a short hike to the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Sigiriya was named after the Sri Lankan words for lion and mountain. The major highlights of this Fortress are ruined halls, a citadel, the Mirror Wall, and ancient Frescoes. It was built by King Kashyapa after he moved his capital to Sigiriya. The gardens and moats surround this beautiful rock fortress. The climb to the top takes an hour and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The site is historically and archaeologically significant, with a 180m column of granite rock dominating the area.

After a fabulous hike, travel to Anuradhapura for exploration. There are many attractions in Anuradhapura such as Ruwanweliseya Stupa, Thuparamaya Stupa, Abhayagiri Monastery Complex, Archaeological Museum, Jetavanaramaya Monastery, Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, Isurumuniya Temple, and Samadhi Buddha Statue.

One of the largest stupas in Anuradhapura is the Ruwanweliseya Stupa. The large paved courts and platforms surround this stupa. It is a very significant stupa for the Buddhists.

One of the largest monasteries in Anuradhapura is Jetavanaramaya Monastery. This stupa houses over 10,000 monks and holds great historical significance for both sects of Buddhism- Theravada and Mahayana. Some attractions here are Jetavanaramaya Museum, Monk’s Living Units, Refectory, Image House, and Chapter House.

Thuparmaya is the first stupa in Sri Lanka. This bell-shaped stupa is said to preserve the collarbone of Gautam Buddha. This is an important archaeological site that is under the protection of the Sri Lankan government.

The Abhayagiri Monastery Complex in Anuradhapura is a stunning and impressive ruin that includes a grand-scale monastery. The main stupa, which is the second-largest on the island, was built over the footprint of Gautama Buddha. It's a significant place for a fraternity of Buddhist monks who preserve their records, traditions, and way of life. Some other attractions are Abhayagiri Stupa, Moonstone, Guard Stone, Museum, Twin Ponds, & Eth Pokuna.

The Samadhi Buddha Statue, located in Mahamevnāwa Park, is considered the finest statue of Buddha carved from dolomite marble. The statue was built in the 4^th century where you can see Buddha in Dhyana Mudra (meditation mode). The statue depicts concentrating all efforts and bringing oneself together to achieve something.

The Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum was established in 1947. It holds a fascinating collection of artifacts, carvings, and ancient everyday items. It was found during excavations in Anuradhapura and other historical sites in Sri Lanka. The museum provides valuable insights into the heritage and culture of the region. It includes miniature models of buildings in the ancient capital located at Polonnaruwa, many of which are now in ruins.

Sri Maha Bodhi is an ancient tree in the Mahamevnāwa Gardens. The statues, water canals, and golden fences surround this ancient tree. This tree is associated with Gautam Buddha as its cutting was brought from Bodh Gaya where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment. This is considered sacred by all Buddhists and has been preserved for many years.

Isurumuniya, a Buddhist temple features impressive architecture and sculptures depicting the artistry of the time. Originally built as a dormitory for 500 children, the structure evolved into a temple, combining elements of both a temple and a fortress. Isurumuniya is popular for its internationally acclaimed inscriptions, including The Isurumuniya Lovers, Elephant Pond, and The Royal Family.

After an excursion to some beautiful places in Anuradhapura, return to Sigiriya for an overnight stay.

You travel to Kandy for the exploration. Kandy is one of the major cities in Sri Lanka. It is both an administrative and religious city. The city is renowned for the Temple of Tooth Relic. Stop at Dambulla to visit the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple.

The Dambulla Cave Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also popular as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. The most well-preserved and extensive cave temple complex in Sri Lanka with five main caves. It contains numerous statues of Lord Buddha, kings, and Lord Vishnu. The temple is part of the 'Cultural Triangle,' which includes Sigiriya and Kandy. To reach the temple, you must climb the Dambulla Rock. Get spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Each of the five caves has its significance and history that provides visitors a glimpse into Sri Lanka's evolving culture.

After a mesmerizing cave temple visit, continue to travel to Kandy. On the way to Kandy, visit the famous Spicy/Spice Garden. The spicy gardens in Kandy are famous spice gardens. The specialty of these gardens is their high-quality organically-farmed spices. Take a short tour and learn about the cultivation, harvesting, cleaning, and packaging of 15 different spices. You can taste unique flavors and learn how to distinguish the taste of different spices. If you wish, you can also buy fresh, exotic, and delicate organic spices, traditional remedies, and natural cosmetics made by local experts.

After the Spicy Garden visit, continue the drive to Kandy. Upon reaching Kandy, take a rest and freshen up. Have lunch or light snacks. Then, head to the renowned Tooth Relic Temple or Dalada Maligawa. This is the highly admired Buddhist temple in Kandy. It houses the tooth of Buddha in a golden chamber within the royal palace complex. The ambiance of the temple is magical. Other attractions feature a museum, royal gardens, a palace, and meditation grounds. The very significant temple in Sri Lanka is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After a spiritual visit to the sacred Tooth Relic temple, enjoy some time around Kandy Lake in the evening. You can also enjoy Kandy Cultural Dance Shows. 12 different types of folk and traditional dances are performed. The show time usually starts at 5:30 pm and lasts for an hour. Spend a night in a hotel.

You return to Negombo (Colombo) as the tour to Kandy comes to an end. While returning, stop at Royal Botanical Garden, Peradeniya which is just 6 km away from Kandy. It is the most extensive botanical garden in Sri Lanka. Renowned for its diverse range of orchids and have Orchid House and classical Avenue of Palms. It consists of more than 400 plant species which includes medicinal plants and over 110 endemic plants. The massive Javan fig tree is one of the major attractions here.

After adoring the Botanical Garden tour, en route stop at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. The place is not to be missed. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was established to care for abandoned and injured elephants, particularly baby elephants who cannot survive without their mothers. You can spend some time with elephants as they are friendly. Participate in fun activities such as elephant bathing or feeding. This place also recycles elephant excrement to produce paper. The entry fee for the elephant orphanage, zoo, elephant feeding, and bathing is different. The orphanage and zoo fee is listed below:

Return to Negombo after spending some time at the orphanage. Freshen up upon reaching Negombo. Enjoy some time at the beach or continue sightseeing in Colombo if you have missed some places in the beginning. Return to a hotel for an overnight stay.

The mesmerizing Nepal Bhutan Sri Lanka tour comes to an end where you experience the unique cultures of Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The sights and sounds of these three countries are sure to leave a permanent mark on you, and we believe you will cherish these memories for years to come.